David Artell / David Artell / 05 October 2007 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">Free Bet

Morecambe's David Artell tells us why using Facebook isn't mentioned in the club rules, how being sent off isn't always a bad thing and why there will be goals at Anfield on Sunday

With the pressure on referees ever increasing, I think it is only a matter of time before they are aided by television replays as referees are in rugby. The FA are conducting a pilot study on goal line technology at Reading's academy this season and are going to report their findings to UEFA and FIFA. Personally I can't see anything other than goal line technology being introduced in the next couple of years as it seems a relatively easy thing to set up financially and eradicates the possibility of the referees making crucial mistakes that could determine the outcome of the game. This could only benefit the game of football. I'm sure that some referees and football purists wouldn't embrace the new technology, much the same as cricket umpires did when asked to revert run outs to the third umpire, but the technology used in cricket has only added to the drama whilst waiting for a decision.

The technology would certainly have helped me during the League 2 play off final between Mansfield and Huddersfield in 2004. We had a goal disallowed when the linesman decided that a ball pulled across the face of goal had gone out of play before the ball was put in the net which TV replays later showed hadn't crossed the line. We went onto lose the game on penalties, which was the lowest point in my career. Although Keith Curle (the Mansfield manager at the time) didn't run down the touchline brandishing a laptop a la Jose Mourinho, a simple check of a TV would have seen that the goal should have stood. For me, if TV replays can help clarify promotion and relegation issues then they should be introduced.

I can't see the technology been introduced for decisions such as sending offs or offsides (that lead to goals) as this would take too many decisions from the officials although once again it would have helped me during my career. In my home league debut for Rotherham I was sent off two minutes from time which I believe was a harsh decision and TV replays might have showed it differently. The manager was delighted as we won the game 1-0 and told me that you sometimes have to take one for the team. Even so, getting sent off on your home debut is not a nice feeling but it worked out alright for me as the game I was suspended for, Rotherham lost and I went straight back into the team. I wouldn't always recommend taking one for the team, as the player that replaces you might impress the manager. Having said that it is easy to pick up 5 bookings that lead to a suspension but you hope to have done enough in your previous appearances to get back in the side whether the team wins, loses or draws.

Although Morecambe has a set of club rules that would resemble the complete works of Shakespeare, one rule that hasn't been included is the rule forbidding the use of internet chat rooms such as My space (www.myspace.com) and Facebook (www.facebook.com).

There would be a few bored Morecambe lads if our gaffer followed Alex Ferguson in banning his players from using these sites. I can see why Ferguson has done this as you could get into rather compromising situations with WAG's to be and say things to people you don't know that could have repercussions. Although Craig Stanley and Paul Lloyd may not have the same appeal as Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson, due to the fact they are footballers, they are bound to attract some attention. I suppose this only goes to highlight the difference between Premiership players and players down the lower end of the football ladder, you certainly wouldn't find our players in the kind of trouble that follows some Premiership players.

It was refreshing to see the Tottenham players on Monday night run to Martin Jol when they scored their fourth goal to complete a remarkable comeback even if it is a stay of execution. I can't see Liverpool being so generous at Anfield on Sunday, although I can see a high scoring game. Tottenham conceded plenty of goals last year and nothing seems to have changed this year either as they have strengthened in attack but not defence. With Liverpool scoring 18 goals in their last eight games the 3.55 offered for over 3.5 goals seems good value.

David Artell plays for Morecambe Football Club

https://www.morecambefc.com/

Tags: David Artell, Facebook, Morecambe, Premiership betting